Life is all about assessing and adapting.  Things change, goals change, you change.  We grow. 

I love tacking up the New Year’s calendar, breathing a large sigh as I ponder where the previous year went and looking at these 12 crisp new pages with great hope and anticipation.  It’s a great opportunity to look back at the year just completed and inquire of yourself if there were any lessons learned.  For your sake, I hope you’re able to jot down a long list of ways you grew in enlightenment. 

Looking at some of the recent themes of Marketing Matters, here are a few thoughts that may help you to begin to apply the lessons of 2007 to the year and opportunities ahead. 

1.       Be intentional about all your relationships.  You’ve learned that Marketing is all about relationships.  As with life, when a relationship stops growing and changing, there is a serious problem.  We spend a lot of time talking about business relationships, but I would suggest that strong personal, family & community relationships are a buttress to quality business relationships.

2.       Be intimate about the ways you make your customers feel esteemed and appreciated.  You’ve learned to treat customers like the valuable, irreplaceable asset that they are.  Don’t settle for “the way we’ve always done it,” even if that way is working.    Find a personal way to communicate your sincere gratitude for each customer.  The return on investment will be phenomenal.

3.       Be innovative about your company’s products and services.  You’ve learned that competition is more aggressive than ever before.  Someone WILL replace the products you’re offering today.  Will it be you, or one of your competitors?

4.       Be imaginative about your communications.  You’ve learned that only a small percentage of our communication has to do with the words we choose.  The vast majority of effective communication is the attitudes and non-verbals that are associated with those chosen words.  Stand out from the crowd.  Be noticed.  Revamp your communications strategy so that your unique message is seen and understood by your target audience.

5.        Be inventive with your business model.  You’ve learned that there are many ways and places to do business.  Break out of “the box” and envision new types of customers for your products.   Where are these new customers?  In another state?  In another country? On the internet?  Boldly go where you have not gone before.

6.       Be impressive amongst your competitors.  You’ve learned that if its worth doing, its worth doing right.  Do your competitors envy you, your business practices and your success?  If not, why not.   Step up and take the lead in your business sector.  Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never changes.

7.       Be intent on being who you are.  You’ve learned that you are a unique asset, complete with special talents, perspectives and dreams.  Dream BIG.  Go after what you truly want in life.  Its not about getting more stuff or money – its about finding true fulfillment in your life’s purpose.  Are you pursuing your deepest inner dream?  Go for it. 

"There is only ONE success -- to be able to spend your life in your own way."

- Renowned American Journalist, Christopher Morely

 Begin Again.

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